Lobbying World

• Brian Kennedy has been named by FD Dittus Communications as vice president of the firm’s energy practice. Prior to joining the firm, Kennedy was one of four co-founders of the Institute for Energy Research, where he served as vice president of public affairs. Kennedy also served as press secretary for House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio).

{mosads}• Jaime Harrison will join the Podesta Group this November as a principal. Harrison is the director of floor operations and counsel to House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.). Prior to serving in the majority whip’s office, Harrison was executive director of the House Democratic Caucus.

• Laura Sheehan has been hired by the American Gas Association as its new vice president of marketing and communications. Prior to joining the trade association, Sheehan worked at FD Dittus Communications, where she was vice president of the firm’s energy practice. Sheehan has also served as policy director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

• Stewart Harris has joined the Carmen Group as a senior associate in the water resources and environment practice. Stewart most recently served as a congressional affairs specialist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. He played a key role in the reauthorization of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

• Ian Ritchie has been hired by North Bridge Communications as an account executive. Before joining the firm, Ritchie was research director of the Level Field Institute, a grassroots advocacy group founded by automotive retirees. Prior to the institute, Ritchie was special assistant to Mark Penn, CEO of Burson-Marsteller.